As a city made up of more than two hundred islands and nestled into jungle-coated hills, Hong Kong has some of the world’s best urban hikes, beaches and ocean-based activities on its doorstep. It offers as much to outdoorsy types as to city slickers with its challenging walks, impressive rock formations, remote campsites under the stars and adventurous destinations for sailing and kayaking. Whether it’s a remote island or a nearby city escape, here’s a list of some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy this summer.

Hiking

There are impressive hikes all over Hong Kong Island that enjoy views of beautiful green hills, as well as the concrete jungle.  The start of the Hong Kong Trail between The Peak and Wong Nai Chung Road is our favourite. Then there’s Dragon’s Back for something leisurely with sea views, the tougher Twin Peaks that finishes up in Stanley, or Ap Lei Pai, which heads out to an uninhabited island between East Lamma and Aberdeen Channels. On the Kowloon-New Territories border, Lion Rock is dramatic with its granite cliff faces populated by monkeys. Over on Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s third highest mountain, Sunset Peak, can be hiked enjoyed for sparsely-populated views of undulating green hills and ocean. As its name suggests, it’s popular for sunset vistas that turn the peak rusty shades of orange, but it’s also worth hiking during the day — ending in Mui Wo for a seafood dinner on the waterfront. But if it’s sights of the dreamy turquoise ocean and powder white sands (and the reward of enjoying them once you’re done), the New Territories’s Maclehose Trail won’t disappoint. It was dubbed one of the world’s ’20 Dream Trails’ by National Geographic for its magnificent coastal scenery and impressive rock formations.

Wakeboarding and wakesurfing

Wakeboarding has always been a popular activity in Hong Kong best enjoyed at Tai Tam reservoir, Stanley or Sai Kung. But more recently, wakesurfing has gained followers too. It’s much the same as traditional wakeboarding, but there’s no need to hold onto the rope for the entirety of the trip, instead surfers cruise along the wave produced by the weight-tilted boat. Wakesurfing Hong Kong, and Wakeboard Hong Kong are both based in Tai Tam and offer private and group packages.

Kayaking

Hong Kong Geopark is the most popular spot in the city for kayaking, with its spectacular vaulted caves, red rock formations, hexagonal columns, and idyllic shores, which provide excitement in excess for adventurers. Wild Hong Kong runs day tours for 5-8 hours around the Geopark and charge $800 per person, while Sea Kayak Hong Kong offers half day trips and training. The latter also run guided trips from Lamma Island (a short 30-minute ferry from Central). These are better for beginners, with adventurers kayaking out to the small and deserted Dog Island, off the coast of Lamma. Not to be missed is a paddle through the old fishing village of Tai O on Lantau Island too, and if you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of Hong Kong’s famous pink dolphins. 

Rock Climbing

There are a host of rock-climbing destinations to check out in Hong Kong, from Tung Lung Chau, an island off Sai Kung, to Beacon Hill on the east side of Lion Rock Country Park and Central Crags near The Peak. In Pui O, Eagle Crag has climbs that run between 18 and 24 metres in length, while Cape Collinson to the northwest of Big Wave Bay features approximately 55 sport routes. The Hong Kong Rock Climbing Adventure runs tours to most of these destinations with climbs that range from easy to more challenging. 

Camping

Spend a night under the stars at Hilltop Pavilion on Tap Mun, where scenic ocean vistas and green pastures are the perfect setting to pitch a tent for camping. It’s a picturesque spot north of Sai Kung with crystal clear waters, a lively fishing village, a trio of centuries-old tin hau temples and about a hundred Hakka and Tanka boat people living there. The island was once a smuggling and pirate haven, and remnants of its past remain. Ham Tin Wan in Tai Long Wan Bay is an excellent spot for camping too. Rent surfboards from the small restaurant during the day, and tents and sleeping bags in the evening. Two-man tents can be rented for about $150, and you can even buy firewood if the weather is a little cooler. For somewhere a bit livelier, Pui O has a great little campsite, and a popular beach side bar and restaurant called Treasure Island nearby. It’s the perfect place for sundowners on the beach, with DJs often playing into the night.

Sailing

With beautiful coastlines and harbours filled with mega-yachts, it’s no surprise that Hong Kong is an excellent destination for sailing. One of the city’s oldest and largest sports clubs, The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, has fostered a community of competitive and recreational sailors for more than 170 years. Today, members and non-members can enrol in a variety of courses regulated by the Hong Kong Sailing Federation with students taking part in either group or private lessons of four to six, subject to instructor and equipment availability. There are racing teams to join too, for anyone over HKSF Level 3. In Sai Kung, head to Hebe Haven Yacht Club, which has been located in the picturesque bay of Pak Sha Wan since the 60s. The surrounding coastline and islands in Port Shelter offer some of the best sailing waters and beaches in Hong Kong, and enjoy views of world-renowned geological formations too. 

Surfing

Hong Kong’s history of surfing goes back more than 40 years to 1978, when the Hong Kong Surf Club was established. Tai Wan is our favourite spot, located a short 30-minute boat ride from Sai Kung pier, or a 40-minute walk from Sai Wan Peninsula on the Maclehose Trail. Those who put in the sweat are amply rewarded with stunning views of the mountains and the sea, and upon arriving will find themselves on a glorious beach with great surf. But Lantau’s Pui O and Lower Cheung Sha beach are fun too, with popular beach bar Bathers on the latter, dishing out international fare and excellent wine. The Hong Kong Surfing Lesson company offer their professional guidance here, in the form of either group or private lessons. Otherwise head to Big Wave Bay for exactly what its name suggests – surf rental is reasonable at just $50 with a $100 deposit.